Ski Patrol Course – Sun Peaks

Course Type Ski Patrol
Dates 6th Feb-1st April
Price From £7300
Venue Canada - Sun Peaks
Qualifications NUEC L3 | Avalanche Skills L1 | Advanced Protocol
Add Flights? Add flights for £700

About the Trip

Ski Patrollers are part of an elite management team, and employees must be well prepared and trained to a very high standard. It’s not for the faint-hearted and requires a good level of skill to get around the mountain in all conditions. You learn to rescue and administer first aid on the mountain, as well as avalanche control, rope rescue and lift evacuation; it’s full on but extremely rewarding.

You’ll be first on the mountain, preparing the slopes for the day, looking after injured guests and ensuring everyone gets down safely when the mountain closes. You’ll learn about and get certified in outdoor emergency patient care, avalanche control, air rescue, helicopter orientation, toboggan handling, mountaineering and many other essential and fascinating skills that will help you find work within the Ski Patrol Service. Ski Patrollers require a lot of specialist equipment you will receive on loan during your course, ensuring you get real hands-on experience with patroller-grade avalanche safety gear.

Features
  • CPR – BLS for Healthcare Professionals
  • Advanced Protocol Training
  • Aerial Lift Evacuation & Self Evacuation
  • Avalanche Skills Training, Level 1
  • Incident Investigation
  • Helicopter Orientation, Air Evacuation, Air Rescue
  • Mentoring
  • Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3
  • Rope Rescue
  • Patient Extrication &
    Evacuation
  • Risk Management
  • General Patrolling
  • GPS & Compass Orientation
  • Snow Ready Fitness Programme
Benefits
  • Qualified to work anywhere in the world
  • Guaranteed job interviews for the top achievers
  • Safety skills to progress into the back-country
  • Improved risk management awareness
  • One-to-one mentoring with the Mountain Ops Team
  • Gateway to vocational employment options
  • Strong first aid skills to apply to any industry
Click to see what the fuss is about!

The Hearthstone Lodge

Located in the heart of Sun Peaks Resort, the Hearthstone Lodge is the perfect base for a short snowboard instructor course. Forgot your goggles or want to head back for Lunch? The Hearthstone is ski-in/ski-out and only a short walk from all the shops, restaurants and ski lifts. Based on the alpine style with spacious rooms, it has everything you need to make it a home-from-home.

The studios and 1-bedrooms suites are well set up for both a short or long stay. All feature a kitchenette, gas fireplace, dining area and free wireless internet. The dining room table seats 4 people, and there’s a flat-screen TV and comfy sofa for relaxing on when the room is set up for single or double occupancy. Rooms are set out in blocks, so you’ll be next to all your fellow instructor mates.

Guest amenities include a fitness room, outdoor hot tubs, ski storage and a laundry area.

Facilities
Ski-in, Ski-out
Outdoor Hot Tubs
Gym
24 Hour Reception
Lockable Ski Storage
Wifi
Fireplace
Kitchen
Ensuite

Resort

The resort of Sunpeaks is nestled snuggly in the valley between 3 mountains spanning 4200ac of fantastic terrain,

Take the lifts to the Top of the World, and breathe in the expansive vistas as the snow ghosts bow to the Bluebird mornings. Catch one of the 13 lifts, get immersed in one of the 137 runs, and disappear into 16 gladed areas.

Finding some of the best-untouched powder amongst tree-lined runs to the 10-acre terrain pack is a treat for anyone wanting to get the most out of this fulfilling venue. Avoid the white-out days, the chaos and long lift queues that plague some of our neighbouring resorts.

Offering some of the best conditions that BC offers and officially the sunniest resort in BC, it’s no surprise that people flock from around the world to see what the fuss is about. Maybe that’s why the Interski trials are held here.

Back it up with enough hotels, shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and amenities to make it the 2nd most extensive resort in Canada. You’ve got a world-class venue to keep the most discerning characters grinning from ear to ear and prepared to be astounded.

Breakfast and Dinner

If it’s one thing, we want you to do. It’s to stay fuelled up.

Four breakfasts and dinners per week are included with your course, meaning you’ve got time to relax and concentrate on what’s important. But the best bit. We don’t use just one restaurant; we use 5. With pretty much the pick of the menu, it gives you enough variety every week to not get bored and ensures you’re getting what you need.

Special nights are arranged during the course when everyone can get together for something a little different. Mexican Margherita night anyone?

As great as it is being catered for, there’s plenty of time to cook for yourself back in your studio. We get it. Sometimes it’s nice to relax, order a pizza, or make a big bowl of pasta, and catch up on Netflix. Regardless of your culinary skills, there are plenty more places to eat in Sunpeaks village. Whether you’re a vegetarian*, meat fiend, spice lover, or want something simple, there’s something for everyone.

*Please say if you have dietary requirements as we can advise what is possible, or even suggest self-catering if that works better for you. We’ll also give you plenty of advice on how much to budget for all your extra costs, plus that odd cheeky beer!

Trust Pilot Review

The Winter Sports Company has been brilliant, always helpful and quick to answer any questions or problems I might have. Training alongside an actual ski-patrol team was unbelievable and a brilliant way to get hands-on and involved in the day-to-day life as a ski patroller. Being able to do the course on a snowboard made it so much easier for me personally, and there were many advantages to it, as well as disadvantages which only added to the challenge! The whole experience has been the best of my life; I would highly recommend anyone to just bite the bullet and go and do it; you won’t regret it. You only regret the things you didn’t do!

Craig Geary 2021

Accommodation
About the location
Meal Plan
Testimonials

What is included

Sun Peaks Skiing

A good snow base falls early in the season and Sun Peaks continues to receive fresh powder all season. Sun Peaks is an ideal resort to learn ski patrol, making first tracks in the morning and getting last lift at sundown, there is all the terrain you could want for 3-4 weeks of training. From powder bowls and terrain parks to piste-perfect groomers and mogul fields, you’ll soon be tackling it all. Sun Peaks is a vibrant and friendly place, it will capture your heart and it won’t be long before you return to be a full time ski patroller.

Transfers

Outbound and return transfers are included from Kamloops Airport as standard with all bookings, subject to arrival times if you book your flights.

Shared hotel accomodation

Enjoy Ski-in/ski-out accommodation at the Hearthstone Lodge. Bedrooms accommodate 2 per room and benefit from a shared ensuite, TV, high-speed internet and storage.
Once qualified, you will be staying in staff accommodation pre-arranged by the WSC.

Meal Plan

Your meal plan will include four breakfasts and dinners per week.

Season Lift Pass

Your lift pass is season long, this means if you decide to add additional weeks your lift pass will be valid.

Lift pass benefits include discounts in selected shops and restaurants as well as on some activities, equipment rentals, maintenance and repairs.

Resort Representative

A rep is in the resort to oversee the course. Reps are knowledgeable about the resort, qualifications and training, and have often taken part in the course previously.

Training Package

Ski Patrol training is provided 4-5 days a week, typically Monday-Friday. Mentoring and shadowing the Patrol team is often then scheduled for days over the weekend, plus a two week period at the end.

Heli Skiing

Landing on top of the world in a deserted, pristine snowfield with endless untouched slopes will, without a doubt, be one of the best feelings you will ever experience. Whilst this is not included in your package at Sun Peaks, you can add this if taking the Revelstoke Bolt-on with Heli package.

Weekly Socials

From Pool comp night, Flood lit riding and Mexican Margarita Night. There’s always something going on, in or around the resort. Between these and the Bolt-Ons, you will have some experiences to remember for the rest of your life, with new lifelong friends.

Not Included

FLIGHTS (add flights for an extra £450)
MEALS (lunches and Weekends)
INSURANCE
ANCILLARY BOLT-ON COURSES-Heli-ski not included
EQUIPMENT OR RENTALBACKCOUNTRY (3-14 day Backcountry experiences are also possible at the end of this course.)

Dates & Prices

Dates Accommodation Triple room Double room Flights

6th Feb to 1st April

The Hearthstone Lodge

£7300

£7700

+£550

Training Package

Training covers 13 modules. A full breakdown of the module content can be found on our ski patrol qualifications page.

  • Module 1: CPR – BLS for Healthcare Professionals
  • Module 2: Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3
  • Module 3: Advanced Protocol Training
  • Module 4: Rope Rescue
  • Module 5: Aerial Lift Evacuation & Self Evacuation
  • Module 6: Patient Extrication & Evacuation
  • Module 7: Avalanche Skills Training, Level 1
  • Module 8: Risk Management
  • Module 9: Incident Investigation
  • Module 10: General Patrolling
  • Module 11: Helicopter Orientation, Air Evacuation, Air Rescue
  • Module 12: GPS & Compass Orientation
  • Module 13: Mentoring

Specialist Equipment
All specialist equipment required for training is provided as part of the course.
You will receive a pack with all the essential equipment required to work with the ski patrol. Items include Avalanche safety gear: probe, shovel, transceiver, first aid supplies and medical equipment. Backpacks are on loan and must be returned in good condition. They can be purchased at the end of the course in the resort if requested.

Additional Training Options
Become ultra employable and become a ski or snowboard instructor too. CSIA level 1 and CASI level 1 are available by joining the 11 Week Ski Patrol + Instructor level 1 course starting in January.

Visa Assistance & Job Opportunities
We have partnerships and connections with several sports schools worldwide and can offer guidance to help you find employment as a patroller once qualified.
We provide comprehensive advice and assistance when applying for working holiday visas.

Snow Ready Fitness Plan
Created for Winter Sports by a personal trainer & instructor, this eight-week pre-season fitness programme targets the muscle groups used in skiing & snowboarding and will make sure you are snow-fit in time for the start of your course.
Snow Ready Fitness Programme

Not included in the course price is the core textbook. Outdoor Emergency Care – 6th Edition costs approx £89.99 and must be purchased before the course start date.

Weekly Schedule

Ski Patrol training is provided 4-5 days a week, typically Monday-Friday. In addition, mentoring and shadowing the Patrol team is often scheduled for days over the weekend, plus two weeks in the end.

Week One

Settling in, resort orientation and acclimatisation. Introduction to general ski patrolling. Rope Rescue.

Week Two

Aerial lift evacuation & self-evacuation, introduction to GPS & Compass, Risk Management and Incident Investigation.

Week Three

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 and mentoring with Ski Patrol.

Week Four

Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3.

Week Five

Non-Urban Occupational Emergency Care, Level 3.

Week Six

Advanced Protocol, Patient Extrication Evacuation, Heli-Orientation & Air Evacuation.

Week Seven-Eight

On-mountain mentoring with Sun Peaks Ski Patrol.

Amazing! 5 stars I did the Level 1 and Ski Patrol course and had an amazing time. Emma and Rik organised an absolutely banging 11 weeks for our group. They sorted all my flights and made sure I had all the info I needed. Unfortunately, our season was cut short from COVID-19 but they promptly organised our journey home. Jari, our resort rep was a great guy to hang out with, super friendly and knew lots about the area and what there was to do. Not only were they super helpful throughout the time I spent in Canada but they've continued to message me in the months post returning home to check up. Would recommend to anyone time and time again! Thank you winter sports!

George Smith

Five star

Bolt On Courses

The Bolt-ons are the point where you can turn your already stellar winter season into something truly unforgettable. Whilst some are devised to improve your CV, some enhance your smile. The Heliski experience will have you grinning from ear to ear all the way back home through your front door. So decide what is critical for you, an adrenaline ride, gap year, career-breaking, mid-life crisis-soothing adventure? Or something that will put another few dollars on your wages and make your instructor resume stand out?

These are ancillary offerings to our clients once onboarded. It is a simple, transparent method so you can cherry-pick what you want and, more importantly, not be forced into paying over the odds for something you do not want.

CSIA Park Level 1

The CSIA Park level is a 3 x day-long course that covers the teaching and technical aspects of switch skiing, snow-park awareness, boxes/rails and air. You will learn the teaching principles and safety needed for instructing in the park. You will learn development strategies and teaching approaches, how to navigate students in the park, communicate clearly, and spot hazards in the park. In the end, you will be assessed, and you must be able to show clear park demonstrations and teaching abilities. CSIA SnowPro

Tree Wells & All Mountain Safety

An absolutely serious must-do, one-day course for all skiers and snowboarders who venture off the groomed runs. In our opinion, everyone should do this course; they are some of the closest dangers and yet the most overlooked. Learn about how tree wells form and safe riding through the trees.  What action to take if you fall into a tree well, and how to rescue someone. Additionally, this course will introduce you to often overlooked hazards that one may encounter, such as cold exposure injuries, variable snow conditions and more.

Dog Sledding

The resort and nearby terrains offer an exhilarating dog sled adventure. You will meet the team and learn everything you need to know about dog sledding tours in Canada before heading out for a thrilling experience across beautiful landscapes. All sleds are guided, and the tour allows 30 to 40 minutes of sled time through majestic lodgepole pine trees. In return, you will get to thank the dogs by giving them lots of cuddles and snacks.

Sled Mobile

With over 32,000 acres of terrain, experience the exhilarating feeling of driving a sled mobile. Make your cv shine & take your BCSF certification online prior to taking the experience if you want to gain a certificate. Practice handling your new sled in the snow field, then you head up to the Silver mining town remnants at 8000ft up at the top of the mountain, stunning views of Panorama, old-growth forests, spectacular icefalls and lots of free time blasting around the open bowl with your friends. Fuel up with a mountain-size lunch in the cosy cabin and then head down back to base.

Intro to Backcountry Skills

During this 2-day course, you will spend time doing both on & off-piste technical training. You will develop a strong understanding of advanced technical concepts and learn about tactics and tools for developing off-piste skiing/riding skills in various environments. You will ski steep terrain, deep snow, glades, un-groomed conditions, bumps, and low visibility, to help gain knowledge in terrain adaptation and awareness in a changing mountain environment. Over the course, you will become familiar with your equipment and will be assessed in terrain analysis, hazard analysis, and trip planning to ensure safety when skiing the backcountry. Equipment (powder skis, skins, snowshoes, split board) are not included. You must have also completed the AST 1 & Companion rescue to take part in this.

Ice Hockey Match

Watching ice hockey is a must for anyone spending significant time in Canada. As the national sport, you'll be hard-pressed to avoid it. It is on screens in bars and restaurants everywhere you turn! So, as a group, we will take a bus trip down to watch the game and get a bite to eat. It will be a fun night out that you won't want to miss! This is organized in the resort, and if you are in Panorama or Revelstoke, it's a weekly event. If you are at Sun Peaks, it's a once or twice a season event. Check out a previous Ice Hockey trip. 

Heli Ski Trip

Heli-skiing is, quite simply put, the ultimate off-piste experience - perfect for freeskiers/riders, thrill-seekers and powder lovers. The adrenaline rush as you board the helicopter is nothing compared to the breathtaking views as you fly over the mountains. 3-5 runs into pristine powder fields. It's enough to put a grin on your face for months. Ultimate bragging rights. Make sure you take a Go-pro or pay for extra footage. Equipment is included, but make sure you have insurance to cover you. Extra insurance can be arranged. Sun Peaks clients must do the Revelstoke trip to do this.

Ski & Board Tech Tips

Learn how to get the most out of your equipment from the pros. An evening in the workshop. Makes a great present for someone and gives them the knowledge on how to look after their equipment, tune it for the conditions and cover the overall safety aspects of your settings.

Steep n Deep at Revelstoke

Please take a peek at one of the world-class resorts in our books. Revelstoke is a monster of a resort and a pilgrimage everyone must make in their lifetime. It has the highest vertical in Canada and is consistently voted in the top #3 as the best resort in Canada. A must-see alternative for all those wanting to experience industrial amounts of snow, steep exciting terrain and incredible backcountry terrain. It's hard not to fall in love with the place; we will think you'll agree. It is a great place to spend with your feet up and relax on those days off, with grand entertainment areas, comfortable bedrooms, spacious bathrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony, log fireplaces and plenty of storage. Choose between the lodge or the hostel. Either way, it's a real once-in-a-lifetime venue. Includes accommodation for three nights, three days. Transport to and from Revelstoke & Lift passes for three days of some unforgettable skiing/riding.  

Off-Piste Tactical Training

This course offers a blend of coaching geared towards boosting your technique off-piste, allowing you to charge through the conditions and terrain confidently. It includes a basic understanding of the terrain's pitfalls and how to choose a successful track, taking into account the local dangers. You will also understand how to alter your stance and commitment when carving a path off the beaten track. We try to run this on a powder day but cannot guarantee this. This often books up early.

CASI Park Level 1

In this 2 days long park course, you will explore snowboarding techniques and teaching methods, as they relate to introductory terrain park. Allowing you to gain an understanding of basic freestyle techniques, as well as lesson planning and effective communication skills. During the course, you will receive coaching, feedback and strategies for long-term development.  Course candidates will be assessed and updated daily on their performance and progress and by the end of the course, you will have the skills necessary to safely introduce students to the terrain park and freestyle snowboarding. CASI Park  

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports

This certifies instructors to teach skiers and snowboarders with disabilities personal ski/snowboard improvement. You will develop skills to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience adaptive snow sports safely. You will learn how to use teaching aids, adaptive equipment and carry out basic safety procedures. Depending on which resort you go to, this will increase your hourly wage at your next chance of employment as you will be considered a Dual Instructor. The most affordable and effective course to enhance your pay rate. Canadian Adaptive Snowsports Level 1

AST Level 1: Avalanche Skills Training & Companion Rescue

Do you enjoy backcountry skiing or heading off-piste? If so, AST level 1 & Companion Rescue are a must! During the course, you'll learn to recognise avalanche terrain, understand the avalanche forecast, plan your trips, and perform a companion rescue with a variety of search and rescue techniques with single or multiple casualties. Understanding the landscape, especially as a backcountry skier, is essential to support yourself when skiing, to stay safe, and to avoid danger. Three days of vital learning to understand how to be a valued member of your group when things go wrong. Check out our AST page to find out more.

Find Out More

A winter in the mountains is an exciting opportunity, and we want to best prepare you for what’s to come. Our blog details past experiences of clients who have qualified as instructors and those who have continued to work in the industry. We also dive into how to best prepare for a season and what to expect when you arrive. After reading, there are so many facets to a season, and we’re sure you’ll want to become a certified ski bum.

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Book Your Course Today

Whilst this paves to way to a fantastic winter career. Whether you become a ski patroller matters not; what matters is its impact on you. You will be left with a varied toolbox full of life skills that can be used in all facets of your life or career. Having compassion and saving someone’s life is the most rewarding event that could happen to a person. So whether you venture deep into the mountains regularly or find yourself in elevated risky environments, you will now be that calm individual that everyone relies on. In addition to having an extensive first aid qualification that will shine on any CV, you will have the best time of your life. A mammoth 8 week confidence-building exercise.

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